The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow (WCDH) is pleased to announce the winner of the 2021 “Dancing in the Rain” fellowship, for writers of children’s or young adult (YA) literature. Candidates were invited to apply who are working on a picture book or chapter book that provides inspiration and hope for those struggling with life’s challenges. Diane Gottlieb was selected for her project’s insight, honesty, literary merit, and likelihood of publication. She will receive a two-week residency at WCDH to focus on her writing project. WCDH Executive Director, Michelle Hannon, said, “Diane is high-energy, talented, and widely accomplished. With her diverse background and experiences, she has a lot to share. We’re thrilled she will have the opportunity to experience the magic of Eureka Springs and a Dairy Hollow residency.”
Diane Gottlieb is an educator with three master’s degrees: an MSW in social work, an MEd in Secondary English Education, and an MFA in creative writing. Her essays, fiction, reviews, and interviews are widely published. She runs her own tutoring business preparing students for college entrance exams and helping them craft meaningful college essays. She has taught memoir-writing classes to at-risk middle and high school students and currently offers writing classes and individual coaching and editing services for adults. She is also the author of a blog for women over 50. Gottlieb is planning a January 2022 residency where she will be working on her writing project, “FAT Chance,” a YA (young adult) novel that she describes as “dealing with normal 10th-grade challenges and then some: ADHA, OCD, anxiety, and an eating disorder gone rogue.” Gottlieb said, “I feel so honored to have been awarded the “Dancing in the Rain” fellowship. As an educator, mental health profession, and writer who has herself struggled with several of the issues highlighted in Fat Chance, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work on my project—a book I could have used in my teens. Thank you, Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow!” During her residency, her community outreach project will be a cross-generational memoir-writing workshop. Gottlieb is a certified yoga instructor and will incorporate several short, guided meditations to help access rich material. Learn more about Gottlieb and read her blog at dianegottlieb.com.
Hannon, said, “It’s an honor to do our small part to contribute to the body of relevant, inspiring literature for children. Reading is so important for the broadening of young minds. We’re extremely grateful to WCDH Board President Peggy Kjelgaard for generously funding this fellowship.” For more information about sponsoring a fellowship supporting the genre and/or area of interest you are passionate about, visit www.writerscolony.org/sponsor-a-fellowship.
The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to nurture writers of all genres, backgrounds, and levels of experience in a supportive environment that builds community, energizes creative expression, stimulates new thinking, and optimizes productivity. Since opening its doors to writers in 2000, the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow has made a lasting impact on the arts and literary communities hosting over 1,700 writers from 48 states and 13 countries. For more information, please visit www.writerscolony.org or call Michelle Hannon or Jeanne Glass at (479)253-7444.